Australian FIFA Match Officials Referee in the 2019 Cup of Nations

The 2019 Cup of Nations kicked off last Thursday night in Sydney and is providing Australia’s newest FIFA referees the chance to gain valuable international experience which they can bring back to our national competitions.

Westfield W-League referee Lara Lee is a new addition to the 2019 FIFA panel and reflects on the honour and excitement to be refereeing in the series of international games.

“To see your name in charge of refereeing two different countries is really the dream. We work so hard to get to this stage and the reward is unlike any other,” Lara said.

“The match officials who have come from overseas are very experienced. I look forward to learning from them and how they use their match management and experience on the field.”

Similarly, Westfield W-League assistant referee Joanna Charaktis has joined the 2019 FIFA panel and this tournament has provided her with the opportunity to referee her first official international friendly.

“I am really excited to get my turn. I am keen to work with Casey Reibelt and Rebecca Durcau at this level, and to officiate with Sarah Ho as there is lots to learn from her,” Joanna said.

“It will be a good test to adjust my refereeing abilities to be able to communicate with international players and non-English speaking players.” She concluded.

The 2019 Cup of Nations also sees FFA host international FIFA referees.

Fusako Kajiyama, from Japan, has been on the international panel for eight years and is refereeing the game between the Westfield Matildas and Argentina tomorrow night.

Fusako will be joined by assistant referees Mio Ogata (JPN) and Yan Fang (CHN) as well as fourth official Liang Qin (CHN).